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Senior Network Hardware Engineer

Cloudflare· Infrastructure
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Hybrid (Austin, TX)full-timePosted 1mo ago

About the role

Pivotal technical contributor responsible for the selection, qualification, and deployment of network hardware and OS images for Cloudflare’s Global Network. Involves New Product Introduction (NPI), device validation, automation of tests, and collaboration across Network Engineering, Datacenter, and Operations.

Responsibilities

  • Lead the New Product Introduction (NPI) process for network hardware systems, including requirements gathering, device selection, Device Validation Testing (DVT), Production Validation Testing (PVT), and Operational Acceptance.
  • Create and automate test plans aligned with operational needs and hardware limitations; drive testing efficiency improvements.
  • Product Lifecycle Management: lead introduction of new network hardware systems with detailed engineering validation in lab environments
  • Qualification & Validation: gather requirements, contribute to network architecture, and execute hardware design and product validation
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: partner with Network Engineering & Operations, Datacenter Engineering & Operations, and other teams to inform hardware decisions
  • Automation & Performance Testing: develop tools and automation to evaluate network hardware performance
  • Operational Support: assist operational engineers by troubleshooting, reproducing, and resolving network hardware issues
  • Documentation & Communication: share results via blog/wiki, tickets, and internal presentations

Qualifications

  • BS, MS, or PhD in Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent practical experience
  • Proven ability to conduct thorough evaluation and experimentation (testing, measurement, and/or simulation) of hardware performance
  • Extensive experience with networking hardware architecture, validation, performance benchmarking, debugging, and deployment
  • Deep knowledge of network engineering and protocols used in data center switching and routing and Internet routing
  • Track record of driving engineering projects from idea to experiment to implementation
  • Experience with OEM/ODMs and technology vendors
  • Professional-level proficiency in Python or similar programming/scripting languages
  • Familiarity with various coding agents and AI tools and technologies

Skills

Required:NPI process managementHardware validation and testingPython programmingNetworking protocols and data-center routingAutomation & toolingCross-functional collaborationDocumentation & communication

Benefits

  • Health & Welfare Benefits: Medical/Rx Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Flexible Spending Accounts, Commuter Spending Accounts, Fertility & Family Forming Benefits, On-demand mental health support and Employee Assistance Program, Global Travel Medical Insurance
  • Financial Benefits: Short and Long Term Disability Insurance, Life & Accident Insurance, 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan, Employee Stock Participation Plan
  • Time Off: Flexible paid time off, leave programs including parental, pregnancy health, medical, and bereavement leave
Last updated Oct 21, 2026. Interested? Apply on the company site.

About Cloudflare

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